Tankwise

An active, eye-catching barb that is a notorious fin-nipper unless kept in a large group.

  • Temperature20–26 °C
  • pH6–7.5
  • Minimum tank70 L
  • DifficultyBeginner
FoodFlake + frozen food
Feeding1–2 feeds a day
Water change25% weekly

Behaviour and habits

The tiger barb is an active, striking shoaler and one of the most famous fin-nippers in the hobby. The nipping is really social behaviour: in a group of eight or more they chase each other harmlessly and leave tankmates alone, while in twos or threes they turn on long fins. Bold, fast and busy, they use the whole tank and look best as a large shoal in a roomy, planted setup with short-finned companions.

What to feed, and how often

Unfussy omnivores — flake, pellet and frozen foods, plus some vegetable matter. Feed once or twice a day and do not overfeed; they are greedy and the tank fouls quickly, so keep the water clean and the group large.

Water changes and maintenance

Change about 25% weekly. They are hardy and tolerate a range of water, but a steady temperature, good filtration and clean water keep the shoal healthy and the nipping social rather than aggressive.

Care and how easy it is

Hardy, but it needs a large group and short-finned, robust tankmates; avoid bettas, angelfish and guppies.

Common health problems

Prone to ich, especially after a chill or a move; otherwise robust.

If it gets sick

Quarantine new fish and treat ich early; keep the water warm and clean and the group large.

Good tank mates

GuppyBeginner with population planning
GuppyPoecilia reticulata
  • 22-26 C
  • pH 7.0-8.5
  • 60 L+; 60 x 30 cm base
Livebearers | Social; males pursue females | Omnivore
PlatyBeginner
PlatyXiphophorus maculatus
  • 20–26°C
  • pH 7–8.2
  • 50 L+
Livebearers · Peaceful · Omnivore
MollyBeginner
MollyPoecilia sphenops
  • 22–28°C
  • pH 7–8.5
  • 70 L+
Livebearers · Peaceful · Omnivore

Best avoided with

Similar species

Harlequin rasboraBeginner
Harlequin rasboraTrigonostigma heteromorpha
  • 22–27°C
  • pH 6–7.5
  • 60 L+
Tetras & rasboras · Peaceful · Omnivore
Zebra danioBeginner
Zebra danioDanio rerio
  • 18–26°C
  • pH 6.5–8
  • 60 L+
Danios & minnows · Peaceful · Omnivore
White cloud mountain minnowBeginner
White cloud mountain minnowTanichthys albonubes
  • 16–24°C
  • pH 6–8
  • 50 L+
Danios & minnows · Peaceful · Omnivore

Compare at a glance

ParametersTiger barbHarlequin rasboraZebra danioWhite cloud mountain minnow
Parameters
Temp20–26 °C22–27 °C18–26 °C16–24 °C
pH6–7.56–7.56.5–86–8
GH4–15 °dGH2–12 °dGH4–20 °dGH4–18 °dGH
Min. tank70 L60 L60 L50 L
Size7 cm5 cm5 cm4 cm
DietOmnivoreOmnivoreOmnivoreOmnivore
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeacefulPeacefulPeaceful
DifficultyBeginnerBeginnerBeginnerBeginner

Care guides

GuideHow Often Should You Feed Fish?Overfeeding causes more aquarium problems than underfeeding. Here is a realistic feeding routine, and the signs that you are giving too much.GuideHow Often Should You Change Aquarium Water?Water changes remove waste that the filter cannot, and keep minerals topped up. There is no single number, but there is a simple way to find yours.GuideHow to Treat Ich (White Spot Disease)Ich looks alarming but is one of the most treatable fish diseases. Act early, raise the heat, and it clears within a week or two — here is how.GuideFishless Cycling: The Kindest Way to Start a TankFishless cycling builds the filter's bacteria before any fish goes in, so your first fish never lives through toxic water. Here is how to do it.GuideHow to Acclimate New Fish (Float and Drip)How you introduce a new fish decides whether it settles or stresses. Float, mix and net — the right way to acclimate a new arrival in half an hour.

New to the words? See the aquarium glossary.

Sources and research notes

Parameters are typical ranges for the species in home aquariums and vary with the individual fish and the water you use.